Broadway on a Budget

As someone who had the great pleasure of working front of house at numerous Broadway shows for almost six years, I’ve had a privilege few other theatre geeks can boast.

I’ve seen the Original Broadway Company of The Color Purple for 8 months straight, worked Memphis the Musical, the 2010 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, from the Invited Dress Rehearsal to Closing Night, watched the Phantom bring Christine to his lair more times than I can count, and been given FREE tickets to multiple Broadway Opening Night shows and Tony parties (Yes, it was as awesome as it sounds!).  And though the pay wasn’t much at all, the opportunity to stand in the back of a historic Broadway Theatre and watch all of my favorite shows over, and over, and over again kept me coming back 8 shows a week, 52 weeks a year.  Heck, I even worked Christmas!

Well, now I no longer work on Broadway and must pay for my tickets like everyone else… ouch!   While sitting through the unbelievably amazing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (the first show to bring me back to NYC in over THREE years), I realized that my love of Broadway theatre was not a part of my past, but a part of me no matter what point of my life I was at and I needed to take the opportunity to visit it more.  But alas, tickets are so expensive…

Here are some of the methods I’ve used in the past to find discount tickets to Broadway shows as well as some of the ones that have been recommended to me and I’m looking to try out.

Tried and True

Playbill.com:  This is my go-to site for Broadway discounts.  I find it provides the most predictability of what show you will see and when you will see it.  It is simple and direct telling you what shows are available, for what performances, and the cost.  Though not all shows are available, and sometimes its just for specific dates, it provides some of the best discounts for Broadway shows.  You can also sign up for their email and receive discounts via your in box.

HipTix: Oh, how I love this program! The Roundabout Theatre Company provides a set number of tickets for each performance for its “Hip Tix” members! You can purchase two tickets for each production at a cost of $25 each.  Membership is free and available for anyone between the age of 18 & 35.  I should note, these tickets are usually mezzanine/balcony but, hey, you’re getting tickets for $25!!! Its almost cheaper than a movie in NYC! They also throw one party per show’s run for HipTix members.  Definitely check it out!

TKTS: The tried, true, and historic way of purchasing Broadway show tickets. With this program you receive, on average, 50% off the selling price for day of tickets to a plethora of Broadway shows.  Definitely worth a trip to Times Square, but only if you haven’t already found discounts through another method.  Make sure to download their app and see what is available before heading out.

Rush, Standing Room, and Lottery: Each Broadway show has its own Rush, Standing Room, and Lottery rules.  This is a great way to see the show that you want, at a significantly discounted price tag. Negatives include not getting in line early enough and missing out on the show of your choice.  Bring a book, be prepared to wait, and you might just get in to see Hamilton! 

Broadway Box: Just tried this one and, so far, the process has been smooth.  It reminds me of Playbill.com but, when I searched for discounts, it had a bit more availability for the show of my choice.  You simply search the show, choose your date, pick your seat, and pay. So far, so good! I’ll let you know how it goes once I see the show! 

Next up! 

Now, I haven’t tried the following programs, but definitely have them in my wheelhouse for the next time I’m in NYC:

Broadway Roulette:  If you want to see a Broadway show, but are entirely indecisive as to which one, Broadway Roulette sounds like a great way to go!  As their tagline states “You pick the day, we pick the show!”  Their tickets run between $49 & $59 and you can pick musicals or musicals + plays as well as eliminate four shows that you do not want to see (for an extra $10 you can eliminate 2 more, 6 in total).  You have no idea what show you are going to see until the morning of, but its also seems like a great way to introduce yourself to a show you’d never thought of attending. Downside, you are dealt a “eh” show.  Still, definitely one I will check out when I’m planning my next trip.

TodayTix: TodayTix allows you to purchase tickets discounted tickets up to 30 days in advance or even day of.  What I like about this site is that it has tons more options than just Broadway as well as discounts throughout the United States.  Definitely worth a gander if you’re in the market for some affordable live theatre!

And, dreaming of seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 but not sure about the ticket prices for TWO shows (Yes, this is a two parter, yes you need to buy tickets two both and, yes you will be TOTALLY LOST if you only see one, even if it’s part 2)?!? Check out their Friday Forty! Every Friday 40 tickets are released for every performance the following week.  And here’s the best part… You see both shows for $40!!! Now, I’ve had the great pleasure of seeing Cursed Child and can tell you, even in the balcony, and even 5 rows from the back of the theatre, the experience was amazing.  To participate you need to submit an entry between Monday at 12:01AM and Friday at 1PM, have your entry drawn, and log in to purchase your tickets immediately after notification.  I am definitely trying this one out!

So, that’s my list for discounted Broadway tickets! As I find other options, I will let you know what I like and don’t.  Also, I am always looking for suggestions, so let me know what has worked for you!

All Photos: Mimi Manigs Photography unless noted